Chocolate Covered Goodness

I think I have have good taste when it comes to food.  Over the years I've learned to appreciate gourmet foods, and have a great respect for those who put a lot of passion into what they do.  However,  when it comes to chocolate covered cherries, it is hard for me to resist a box of 2 dollar candies in the discount cart at the grocery store.  I like them that much.  So when I saw this recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherries I couldn't resist.  If the 2 dollar boxes taste THAT good, homemade must be freaking amazing.  My mother made chocolate covered cherries when I was growing up, but you had to keep them in the freezer for 2-3 weeks before eating.  This recipe calls for making a fondant and you only have to wait 2 days.  I know that fondant can be daunting, however, if you read the comments section in the recipe I linked you will see a neat, time saving technique that works well.  If it weren't for that tip, I wouldn't have attempted it.

Making Fondant

The Short Cut

Fondant Is Ready

Gingerbread House

For years I've wanted to make a gingerbread house.  Last year I was finally motivated to do it and with Mary Ann's help we made it happen. I found a template in a book and made the gingerbread from scratch.  Then we just ran with it and kept coming up with more and more ideas of things to add.  This year I wasn't really in the mood to do it.  It's a project that takes time and you really need to be in the mood to do it. It took us about 3 weeks to complete.  Below is the end result.  The base is a lazy susan that we covered with cardboard and foil. I made two batches of royal icing which makes great glue and snow.  Everything is edible except for the base.  Happy Holidays!!!

Saturday Morning at The North Market

This weekend I am at The North Market helping Mary Ann with her art at The North Market Holiday Open House and Craft Extravaganza.  This is a picture of what sits below us.